Portugal+Culture

=Portuguese History= toc

Portugal's origins as a nation go back to the early middle ages. However the area that is now Portugal has a rich and interesting history comprising of invasions, independence, colonies, rebellions and dictatorships.

Moorish Rule
In 711, the Islamic Moors from North Africa invaded the Iberian peninsula which signalled the end of the Visigoth Kingdom. Goth leaders were forced to retreat to the Northern highlands where they planned to reconquer their land. This war of reconquest is known by the Portuguese as the reconquista.

Age Of Discovery
In the 15th and 16th centuries Portugal established itself as a world superpower as it built a vast empire as it conquered and set up colonies in parts of South America, East Africa and parts of Asia. Prince Henry "the Navigator" recognised the importance of trading to the economy and encouraged Portuguese explorers to find new trading routes. This resulted in the age of exploration where the protuguese were the first europeans to map the coast of Africa. The net effects of Portugals exploration meant that Portugal ranked amongst England and France in terms of Economic, Political and Cultural influence.

The Carnation Revolution of 1974
This signalled the end of a 560 year empire. As a result of broad democratic reforms Portugal granted independence to all of its overseas provinces, most of which are located in Africa.

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